Easy Recipes for a Festive Holiday Menu

From mouth-watering side dishes to unforgettable main courses, these festive recipes are a must-try this season. Guaranteed to impress guests and sure to become family-favorite holiday staples, these dishes are quick and easy. So you can spend less time slaving away in the kitchen and more time enjoying your holiday gatherings.

(Image: Kenzie Mastroe)

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1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries and Pecans

Not only is this dish healthy and delicious, it is full of rich colors that will enhance your holiday table decor. The sweet potatoes, tangy cranberries and earthy pecans complement each other perfectly and are packed with lots of nutrients to keep you nourished during the holiday hustle and bustle.

(Image: Jennifer Farley)

2. Gingerbread Hot Toddy

Warm up by the fire with this comforting twist on the classic hot toddy. This drink is perfect to serve while entertaining and can be made in just a few minutes. To save time, make a large batch of the gingerbread syrup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

(Image: Shaina Olmanson)

3. Overnight Cinnamon Swirl Bread

If you aren’t a morning person but love having a warm treat for breakfast, this cinnamon swirl bread can be left overnight to rise in the refrigerator and popped in the oven in the morning for a quick and delectable meal.

(Image: Shaina Olmanson)

4. Simple Roasted Chicken and Root Vegetables

Skip the sink full of dishes with this genius one-pot wonder meal. Impossible to mess up and guaranteed to impress guests, this classic roasted chicken recipe is a must-try this season.

(Image: Maggie Jones)

5. Baked Pecan Stuffed Apples

If you’ve had enough frosted sugar cookies to last you until next Christmas, try this festive baked stuffed apple recipe instead. It’s quick and easy to whip together at the last minute and can be topped with ice cream or whipped cream for that extra wow factor.

(Image: Jennifer Farley)

6. Belgian Ale Beer Eggnog

Try a new take on the traditional eggnog by making it with a spiced Belgian ale this year. This recipe is great for beer lovers and adds a more rustic and earthy flavor than rum, brandy or whiskey.

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7. Three-Ingredient Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Take your mashed sweet potatoes to a whole new level with one simple ingredient: brown butter! Simply mash the brown butter and sweet potatoes together for an instant holiday hit.

(Image: Jennifer Farley)

8. Orange Winter Ale Cranberry Sauce

You’ve tried beer in your eggnog; now give it a try in your cranberry sauce. It may sound odd at first, but the comforting spices in a winter ale bring out the sweetness and tartness of the cranberries and give this holiday classic a kick.

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

9. Brussels Sprouts With Pomegranate and Lemon Dressing

Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad reputation over the years because if not cooked properly, they can be quite unpleasant. This fresh and flavorful salad will change the way you think about Brussels sprouts. It’s full of sweet pomegranates and a citrus dressing that brightens a typically heavy holiday menu.

(Image: Shaina Olmanson)

10. Make-Ahead Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

There are few dishes more comforting than a warm, cheesy casserole. This casserole has been given a healthy upgrade by adding broccoli and can be made ahead of time, so you can maximize your time with friends and family.

(Image: Ashley Manila)

11. Yule Log

A French holiday staple, the yule log can look like an intimidating recipe to master, but this version of the classic yule log recipe is straightforward, simple and incredibly delicious. It's sure to be the star of the dessert table.

(Image: Thalia Ho)

12. Homemade Kale and Sausage Galette

Just try and find a person that won’t fall in love with this buttery, flaky crust and hearty kale and sausage filling -- you won’t be able to. This impressive-looking galette is comforting, scrumptious and a fun recipe to try during the cold winter months.

15. Butternut Squash Soup

If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, whip up a batch of this hearty butternut squash soup. It tastes so delicious, you won’t believe that it’s good for you (but it totally is).

(Image: Ashley Manila)

16. Roasted Beet Salad

Bright and vibrantly red, beets practically radiate holiday cheer. Paired with peppery arugula and creamy goat cheese, this roasted beet salad has all the elements you would want in a warm winter side dish.